KINGSTON, Jamaica — A man experiencing mental health challenges was remanded in custody when he appeared before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday to answer to larceny charges.

The complainant in the case of larceny from the dwelling was the mother of the accused.

When the matter was brought before the court, the complainant told sitting judge Alwayne Smith that she wanted to continue the case against her son.

When the young man was brought out from custody, the mother indicated he had mental health challenges and had spent time at Bellevue Hospital, the country’s dedicated mental health inpatient facility.

A police officer involved in the case informed the judge that the young man was reportedly not on his medication.

When asked by the judge whether he was, the accused said, “I went to the clinic and them never have any.”

He admitted though that he had not gone back to check.

In addressing the complainant, Smith said, “I am not dismissing the seriousness of the allegations”, but explained that keeping relatives with mental health challenges locked up was not the answer .

Noting that the man could be in custody for some time, Smith added, “I know that’s what some of you want…but that’s not the solution…they are your relatives and you are supposed to take care of them.”

When Smith queried whether the woman would consider allowing the man to come home as his trial continued, she responded, “Take him where ? I don’t want him there.”

The judge ordered two psychiatric evaluations to assess whether the man is fit to plead before his return to court on June 2.

— Dana Malcolm